RGU Lecturers enter third day of strike action in the face of no movement by management on job security

Lecturing staff at Robert Gordon University (RGU) are now on their third day of strike action, demonstrating their determination to protect jobs and oppose proposed compulsory redundancies.

Members of the Educational Institute of Scotland University Lecturers’ Association (EIS-ULA) are picketing again today, maintaining their presence at the university’s campus, where they will be joined by national EIS representatives, including Vice-President Adam Sutcliffe and Ex President Paula McEwan. The continuing strike action highlights the concerns among staff over the potential impact of the planned cuts on theirs and their colleagues’ jobs, as well as on the academic provision for students.

The EIS-ULA remains resolute in its demand for the university to abandon its plans for compulsory redundancies, arguing that the proposed cuts will have a devastating impact on the quality of education and research at RGU. Despite repeated calls for meaningful negotiations, university management has yet to offer a satisfactory response, leading to the continuation of the strike.

Commenting, EIS General Secretary Andrea Bradley said, "EIS-ULA members are demonstrating their strength and unity. We are now on our third day of action, and our members will stand united in defence of jobs, livelihoods and quality education until the university is willing to reach a suitable resolution to the dispute. Our members will continue this action until RGU recognises the value of its staff in providing high quality Higher education and commits to protecting their jobs."

Ms Bradley continued: “Staff and students at the university deserve better. Only by the University ruling out compulsory redundancies and halting its programme of cuts to courses can we reach an agreed end to this dispute and ensure an acceptable resolution for all concerned.”

The EIS-ULA has indicated that the strike action will continue, with notice of further strike dates at the start of next academic year having already been sent to the university and additional strike dates for the current academic year also being considered. The Union calls on the university to reconsider its position and engage in constructive dialogue to resolve the dispute and prevent further disruption.